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Hypothyroidism Exercise Plan

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Hypothyroidism,
or having an underactive thyroid, can cause many symptoms like fatigue, joint
pain, heart palpitations, and depression. The condition also reduces overall
metabolism, making those with hypothyroidism more prone to weight gain.
Exercise can relieve many of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism and
can improve cardiovascular health and muscle mass.

Get Your Heart Pumping

If
left untreated, having low levels of thyroid hormones can reduce cardiac
fitness. Those with hypothyroidism are also at a greater risk of ventricular
arrhythmias, or a rapid heart beat. In addition to medications, exercise also
plays a key role in strengthening the cardiovascular system.

Regularly
participating in activities like running, walking at a brisk pace, or playing a
sport can improve cardiac health. The related mood-boosting benefits can also
relieve other hypothyroidism symptoms including depression and fatigue.

Protect Your Joints

Those
with hypothyroidism frequently experience muscle and joint pain. Low-impact
activities that minimize stress on joints such as the knee, hip, or back may be
easier to do as opposed to more strenuous activities. Some options include
yoga, Pilates, walking, swimming, and biking.

Build Muscle

Because
hypothyroidism lowers your body’s resting metabolic rate, people with this
condition are more liable to gain weight and suffer secondary problems caused
by obesity. Building muscle through strength training can counteract these
effects.

Some
research shows that obesity can reduce a person’s response to exercise. These
individuals may find it harder to develop skeletal muscle proteins in response
to exercise. The reasons for this are unclear, but it’s possible that underlying
hormonal deficiencies, including hypothyroidism, may be to blame.

Be Athletic

Having
hypothyroidism doesn’t mean you can’t participate in competitive sports or
train for a race or marathon. But, a recent study of highly-trained male athletes found that
it may be more difficult to do any kind of high-intensity exercises. Athletes
may need to adapt their training plans to let their bodies recover from this
effect.

Exercise
isn’t a substitute for hormone therapy to treat hypothyroidism. Some studies even
suggest that in spite of prescribed medication, those with hypothyroidism may
experience greater discomfort during exercise. Still, when practiced safely,
many forms of exercise offer specific benefits to individuals with
hypothyroidism. Always discuss your exercise plan and goals with your doctor
before starting a new routine or regimen.